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Monday 23/02/2026

British Traveller's Death in Mexico Ruled as Unlawful Killing

British man Ben Corser sitting in a car in Mexico
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ben Corser, a 36-year-old from Cornwall, was shot dead in Colima, Mexico, on 24 May 2022, alongside two friends.
  • The inquest concluded that Corser's death was a result of unlawful act manslaughter and unlawful killing.
  • Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing a van, but no suspects have been identified by Mexican authorities.
  • The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office indicated that further information is unlikely due to the time elapsed.
  • Corser's family expressed that the lack of closure from the investigation is difficult, but they cherish his memory.

A British man, Ben Corser, was tragically shot dead in Colima, Mexico, in what has been described as a case of being "in the wrong place at the wrong time." The 36-year-old from St Just, Cornwall, was killed alongside two friends while they sat in a car outside a supermarket on 24 May 2022. An inquest at Cornwall Coroner's Court has ruled his death as unlawful act manslaughter and unlawful killing.

Incident Details and Investigation

Corser, a keen skateboarder and traveller, had been living in Mexico since January 2022. On the evening of the incident, he and his friends, Claudio and Alfredo, were returning from a trip to the supermarket when they were shot. A witness reported hearing gunshots and seeing a van with its driver's door open, but no further details have emerged. Despite efforts by Mexican authorities, including reviewing CCTV footage, no suspects have been identified.

Family's Response and Inquest Findings

During the inquest, Corser's father, Andrew, shared that his son had been enjoying a vibrant and sociable life in Mexico. He expressed frustration over the lack of information from the police, noting that no motives such as robbery or kidnapping have been suggested. Assistant coroner Emma Hillson confirmed the unlawful killing verdict, acknowledging the difficulty faced by the family due to the absence of new evidence.

Ongoing Challenges and Community Impact

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has stated that further information is unlikely to surface given the time that has passed. Corser's family, while grappling with the lack of closure, emphasized that Ben's memory lives on in their hearts and the community he was part of in Mexico.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The unresolved nature of Ben Corser's case highlights the challenges faced by families seeking justice in international incidents. With the investigation in Mexico stalled, the likelihood of new developments remains slim. This situation underscores the broader issue of gun violence in regions like Colima, where a surge in violence has been noted. Experts suggest that without significant changes in local law enforcement capabilities and international cooperation, similar cases may continue to face prolonged uncertainty. For Corser's family and others affected, the focus may shift towards commemorating their loved ones and advocating for safer travel conditions abroad.